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By Mauricio Sulaimán – WBC President – Son of José Sulaimán
Long live boxing! Our sport once again showed its greatness last Saturday, September 13th, at the massive event held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This was the first promotion put on by the group that promotes the UFC, WWE, and other sports leagues.
There were a lot of circumstances that made it a complex event, to say the least, but I have decided not to tarnish this column with negativity. Instead, I choose to highlight the importance of all the positive things that happened and how boxing is the greatest of them all.
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez lost by unanimous decision to Terence Crawford in a great fight between two of the best fighters in the world, and Canelo showed his humility by graciously acknowledging his defeat.
The fight lived up to the expectations that big events generate among fans. Allegiant Stadium was packed, setting an attendance record with over 70,000 people.
The atmosphere was spectacular, and it’s important to note that the Mexican fans behaved admirably. Even though their countryman lost, they applauded Crawford’s performance, and there was a general sense of satisfaction at having witnessed one of the great fights and greatest events of all time.
It had been a long time since we felt the kind of glamour that was present on Saturday. My mind went back to the era of Don King and Mike Tyson, those boxing events where you’d see all the Hollywood stars, legendary athletes from other sports, and the biggest names in boxing and society.
Yes, Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Thomas Hearns, and a huge number of past and present champions were there. Michael J. Fox, the beautiful Charlize Theron, Sofía Vergara, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Strahan, Marc Anthony, and Magic Johnson. Really, I would fill this page and many more if I were to mention all the personalities who came to grace this unforgettable night of boxing.
Is boxing dead? Once again, its greatness was demonstrated, and this is because there is no other sport that can generate the emotions that boxing, by its very nature, provides. There is no script to follow here, no grotesque savagery that excites a certain sector of fans. Boxing is pure, it has class, it’s about strategy, execution, and high concentration and speed.
Cristian Mbilli and Lester Martinez fought their hearts out and gave the world an epic battle. At the end a draw was announced and Mbilli remains WBC champion, but I can speak for everyone in saying that this is a must that we all want to see again.
Terence Crawford was the better boxer on Saturday. With this win, he became the first fighter to be an undisputed champion in three divisions, meaning he has won the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA championships. He has already done so at super lightweight, welterweight, and now at super middleweight.
One of the key elements of this promotion was the fact that it was a fight for the UNDISPUTED super middleweight division. Yes, the WBC, WBO, IBF and WBA. The four belts.
The moment the official decision was announced was highly emotional, with both warriors in the ring. Michael Buffer read the judges’ scores, with that pause that feels eternal, before the winner is announced and the imminent reaction from both fighters. Canelo showed profound sadness and surprise, while Crawford burst into tears of joy.
I had the honor of presenting Crawford not only with the Green Belt of the World Boxing Council, but also a work of art crafted by Tlaxcalan hands, and for the first time, the undisputed ring, made by Jason of Beverly Hills, who also crafts the Super Bowl rings.
While Crawford will return home to be received as a hero in Omaha, Nebraska, Saúl “Canelo” will go home to reflect, rest, and think about what happened.
There is no shame in losing, especially to one of the greats of the ring.
Canelo has three losses that have been like this: against Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol, and now Crawford. The World Boxing Council, now more than ever, is in Canelo’s corner.
Terence Crawford is now our champion and we feel great pride for him. We are now going to prepare a special event to celebrate his great victory. Crawford is a boxer of excellence, the world is now all for Terence, a kid who represents a small town in a state that now has its favorite son, Omaha, Nebraska.
Did you know…?
We woke up Sunday morning to the sad news of the passing of Ricky Hatton, a respected, popular, and beloved English fighter. May God greet and comfort him in his holy glory.
Today’s anecdote
When I was a boy, I asked my dad who he was rooting for in a fight. “Son, I am the President of the World Boxing Council. I don’t have favorites. It would be a terrible betrayal to one of the two if I were in favor of their opponent.” He continued, “Just as I feel deep sorrow, sadness, and pride for the loser, I simultaneously feel great happiness, pride, and satisfaction for the winner.” This is how I have lived boxing for many years, no matter how difficult it may seem. Don José taught us with solid principles and values, and this is why the boxing community trusts us. Just as I hugged and gave words of comfort to Canelo, I approached and celebrated such an incredible win with Terrence.
I appreciate your comments: contact@wbcboxing.com.
